Calls for improved safety on A96 near Keith after speeds of 105mph are recorded
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A WIND farm operator is warning that a "nasty accident" could happen on a section of the A96 near Keith if drivers don't address their driving.
Moray West's onshore electrical infrastructure works crosses the A96 just 2km east of Keith.
A 40mph speed limit has been agreed with Transport Scotland to help manage HGV traffic which is common in the area.
However, Moray West claim they have recorded vehicles going at speeds of up to 105mph past their Variable Message Sign.
They also claim that hundreds of vehicles pass through regularly at speeds in excess of 70mph.
That has led to an appeal to drivers to adhere to the temporary speed restrictions to avoid potential accidents in the future.
Chris McKeown, Senior Transmission Infrastructure Manager on the Moray West project, said: “We’re getting really worried that despite our best efforts and the attentiveness of our drivers, that sooner or later there’s going to be a nasty accident.
"The speed restriction signs are routinely ignored by drivers on the A96 and we’ve even clocked speeds of 105 mph going past our Variable Message Sign.
"Speed is a problem and we appeal to all users of the A96 to respect the temporary speed restrictions while we undertake our works either side of the A96 east of Keith.
"Safety is central to our way of working and we are keen that everyone goes home safe and well - the staff working on our project and the users of the A96.
"We ask for help from drivers by slowing down as they pass through the temporary speed restriction. Save lives, keep within the speed limit."
Councillor Theresa Coull (Keith and Cullen, SNP) echoed Moray West's call for adherence to the temporary speed restrictions adding that there is no excuse not to do so.
She said: "I was shocked to hear about the speeds that some vehicles are travelling on the A96 outside Keith at Whitehillock.
"These speed limits are there for a reason of safety, not only for the staff working on this project who are crossing the carriageway regularly, but also for the safety of those travelling on this road.
"The speed limit is only for a short distance so there is no reason why this cannot be adhered to. Please can everyone have a little courtesy for the staff and the road users.
"This is a piece of road that has seen many accidents resulting in deaths and we certainly do not want to see any more."
Councillor Tracy Colyer (Keith and Cullen, Conservative) added that failure to slow down on the section of road is putting lives at risk.
She said: "I am very disappointed in the behaviour of some drivers chosing to disregard the temporary speed limit, a limit put in place to protect people going about their work at this location.
"Having said that, to drive at 105mph on any road in Moray is ludicrous and puts lives in real danger, almost 3 times the temporary limit and is beyond careless.
"I would hope that people think twice before flouting the law, it is there for a reason to protect those working off the road and road users themselves. My advice to motorists would be leave earlier if necessary, thereby reducing the necessity to consider speeding to make up time and drive according to the conditions and speed limits so that everyone goes about their day safely and gets home at night."
